Canada unhappy with India's reply on CWG preparations

Canada's delegation of 255 athletes is scheduled to reach New Delhi on Friday.

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Headlines Today Bureau

New Delhi

September 22, 2010

UPDATED: September 22, 2010 10:31 IST

After strong criticism of the Games Village by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) chief as well as the New Zealand's Games chef de mission, now Canada has also slammed India's preparations for the mega event.

With at least one country threatening to withdraw from the competition, India risks international humiliation, said the head of Commonwealth Games Canada which oversees the Canadian team.

This would have been an opportunity for India to shine but it risks considerable national embarrassment, said Andrew Pipe, president of the Canadian body on Tuesday after a team of officials and security experts spent several weeks touring venues and the Games Village in the national capital recently.

Canada's delegation of 255 athletes is scheduled to reach New Delhi on Friday.

While many of the Games venues have won positive reviews, Canadian officials said living quarters for Canadian athletes were dirty and needed a deep cleaning. In some rooms, plumbing and electrical outlets were not working. There were also issues with furnishings, Internet access and mobile telephone coverage.

Pipe said he has been deeply disappointed at the reaction of the Indian government to Canadian concerns. "We have been articulating our lack of satisfaction. It is not as if the Indian government has been unaware of these issues," Pipe said.

Union Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy had on Tuesday ridiculed the people who raised the objections. "The fittings are in place. There is no difficulty in the supply of basic services. All the basic services are being delivered. Some friends could be too finicky," he had said.

Even Commonwealth Games organising committee secretary general had on Tuesday said that there was "nothing to be ashamed off". "All work will be completed at the Village before the athletes start coming from September 23rd. There is nothing to worry," he had said.

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